I was put on Medicaid a few months after becoming homeless and have been on it for about 9 or 10 months. At the start of February, they cut me off with no warning. No letter, no call, nothing. When I called to find out what happened, they said I didn’t update my income info. That makes no sense because my income hasn’t changed at all—I’m still unemployed and have zero income.
They said a letter was sent asking for my info, but I never got it. Even if I had, nothing changed, so there was nothing to update. Now they’re making me reapply, and it could take 45+ business days.
I rely on my medication for BPD, C-PTSD, severe anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Without it, I’m completely unstable. My place is a mess, I barely leave my room, and my mental health is going downhill fast. The other day, I had a panic attack that lasted 30 minutes just because I lost a comfort item. It got so bad that someone in my neighborhood came outside to check if I was okay. I had to go out in freezing temperatures to find it, which made things worse because I also have POTS, and the cold makes my heart rate go crazy.
I know I won’t do anything drastic because my partners would help me if things got that bad, but I have no idea how I’m supposed to get through this without my meds. I don’t understand why they cut me off when my info was accurate, and I don’t know what to do.
Is this normal? Can they really drop people just for not updating info when nothing changed? How do I get my meds while waiting for them to process my new application? I’m at my limit.
MasonLuke3 said:
Call your doctor and see if they can help you find resources. There are programs that might assist, but you need someone to guide you through it.
I’ll try calling in the morning if I remember. My town is pretty low-income and has some homeless support, so maybe there’s something that can help.
Try sending a letter to Medicaid explaining your situation and requesting an appeal. If you need help writing it, you can use an online tool to draft something, then tweak it with your own words.
Tian said:
Have you already reapplied? If you get treatment at a hospital, Medicaid might cover the costs retroactively once you’re approved again.
I can’t check myself into inpatient care, that would make things worse for me and my wife because of past bad experiences. But a few hours after posting this, I got the approval email.
If Medicaid cut you off because of a missed renewal, they should be able to reinstate it once you send them the required info. If you need immediate help, go to the ER. Hospitals want to get paid, so they often have social workers who can assist with getting you back on Medicaid faster.
@jordansmith
Please explain how you expect me to afford a trip to Mexico when I have zero income. Also, as I already mentioned, I’ve already reapplied.
Merrick said: @jordansmith
Please explain how you expect me to afford a trip to Mexico when I have zero income. Also, as I already mentioned, I’ve already reapplied.
If it’s important enough, you’ll figure it out. Some people find alternative sources, like meds meant for animals when they can’t afford human prescriptions.
@jordansmith
I don’t think you understand what ‘homeless with zero income’ means. I can’t afford anything. Even if meds were $0.50, I wouldn’t be able to buy them. And again, I already reapplied, so repeating that advice is pointless.
jordansmith said: @Merrick
You could have just ignored my comment instead of getting mad. This is the internet, people give suggestions. I hope your situation improves.
I’m not mad, I’m pointing out that your suggestion was impossible. Telling a homeless person with zero income to ‘figure it out’ isn’t advice, it’s dismissive. If you don’t have useful input, maybe just move on.